What Climate Does an Avocado Tree Need to Grow?

Depending upon variety, a single avocado tree may yield 50 to over 100 pounds of produce.

Known for its large, dark-green oval leaves and bumpy, mellow-tasting green fruit, the avocado tree (Persea americana) has value in the landscape beyond fruit production. Its medium-sized upright habit and evergreen foliage creates a contrast against fine-leafed deciduous and coniferous shrubs and trees. When planted in the correct location, an avocado tree will thrive and benefit your home garden.

Sources

Each variety of avocado falls into one of three groups: Guatemalan, Mexican or West Indian. The names of the groups signal where an avocado variety originated from or first grew. Over time, commercial growers crossed different varieties from each group to create disease-resistant hybrids. Although these new, hybrid varieties do not directly come from one of the original three countries, their lineage is traceable back through the parent plants that their classifications come from. Each group is slightly different in growth habit, fruit shape and size, harvest time and climactic requirements.

Temperature

Depending upon the variety, avocados grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. The most cold hardy of the three types is the Mexican avocado, which will grow in temperatures as low as 19 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of their cold tolerance, they classify as subtropical trees. West Indian varieties tolerate the least amount of cold, with a lowest surviving temperature of 33 F. The Guatemalan falls in between the first two varieties by surviving temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees F. Both the West Indian and Guatemalan varieties classify as tropical trees.

Culture

Avocado trees grow best when planted in warm areas of the garden that receive full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. These trees will grow in part shade, but without full sunlight they will produce little to no fruit. They grow well in almost any soil type as long as it is fast draining and has a pH of 6 to 7. Because of their tropical nature, avocado trees require frequent, deep watering. The soil needs to dry between applications of water to allow the roots access to sufficient oxygen and to prevent rot.

Special Considerations

Avocado trees require horizontal spacing of 20 feet to accommodate their mature spread, and 30 to 60 feet of vertical space for height. Avocados grow best when humidity levels are high. Locate the tree in an area sheltered from high winds but open to slight breezes. High winds may break off branches and fruit and will surely decrease humidity, but some air circulation is required to stop fungal diseases from forming.